Great features, wide connectivity and great sound… Denon & Marantz Microsystems!

/ Audio T Swindon/

All-in-one music systems are very popular with a wide range of consumers for a whole host of good reasons. Not only are they are they a fantastic introduction to the world of Hi-Fi for many, but they are also a perfect secondary system for the most experienced of audiophiles due to their compact size.

These tiny boxes are packed full of features, but how do they sound? Let’s find out…

The three systems we want to show you in this article are -

Whilst some of these models are available as bundles with speakers branded by the original manufacturer, we think that this can limit your choice to get the best out of the system. As you’ll already know, we stock a wide range of speakers that we are happy to set up alongside one of these microsystems, and tailor the sound to your needs.

Denon RCDM-41 DAB

The entry-level price point of our trio comes in the form of the Denon RCDM-41 DAB. This great system is available in either black or silver, allowing you to fit it in to any classic or contemporary environment.

The RCDM-41 DAB combines an amplifier of 2 x 30 watts per channel with a CD player, a DAB/DAB+/FM radio tuner and Bluetooth music streaming. It also includes a headphone socket, which is nice touch that allows you to enjoy your music even late at night.

Denon RCDM-41 DAB - The front panel looks neat and tidy and you get all important buttons to control the system.

Tone controls are built in to the system, meaning that bass, treble and balance can be easily adjusted. You’ll also find a clock, a sleep timer and even a programmable timer added to the list of features.

Denon RCDM-41DAB rear panel - Plenty of inputs

On the back, you’ll find a set of decent loudspeaker terminals and the very useful analogue input to plug in a turntable phono stage. The two digital optical inputs will take care of a TV, set-top box, games console or video streamer. For extra bass just connect a subwoofer.

We’re big fans of this system and love the sound, especially considering the modest price point. Having demonstrated this countless times in store, we’ve found some great tried and tested speakers to partner with the RCDM-41 DAB to be -

Denon RCD-N11 DAB - HEOS Music Streaming and Multiroom ready

Like the Denon RCDM-41 DAB, the Denon RCD-N11 DAB is a system that includes a CD player, DAB/DAB+/FM radio tuner, Bluetooth music streaming and the same number of inputs and outputs. In addition, Denon have included HEOS - HEOS what is that?

Stream Music with HEOS - Denon/Marantz wireless multiroom audio platform

HEOS (Home Entertainment Operating System) is a wireless multi-room audio platform from Denon/Marantz, and it is fun to use. HEOS works through your existing Wi-Fi home network. Connect any Denon/Marantz product with built-in HEOS music streaming to your home network (wirelessly or hard wired) and you can enjoy Spotify, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, DEEZER, SOUNDCLOUD, Napster and TuneIn. Apple Airplay 2 is included, too.

Music streaming via the HEOS app

HEOS, which is now included in many Denon & Marantz home cinema receivers, wireless music streaming speakers and all-in-one music systems, can be selected for multiroom music via the HEOS app. This app is free and available for Android and Apple iOS. We use this app daily here at the Swindon showroom and find it works really well and is extremely stable, as well as user friendly.

Multiroom music play back via the HEOS app

The Denon RCD-N11 DAB music system with HEOS music streaming (available in black, grey or white) is extremely good value for money and with an output of 60 watts per channel, a pair of B&W 607 S2 or Monitor Audio Silver 50 will work really well with it.

Marantz M-CR612 - Stylish with all your music in one place

The Marantz MCR-612 is very similar to the Denon RCD-N11 DAB and offers a lot of the same specifications. The question is is - Is there a difference between them? Yes, there is. Although Marantz and Denon share a lot of the same technology, the answer is on the back of the M-CR612.

There are two sets of loudspeaker outputs, and they can be used to power one pair of speakers (Speakers A) or two pairs of speakers (Speaker A&B). Perfect for someone who wants to listen to music in two separate rooms.

Bi-Amping - More control for a better sound

Another option is bi-amping. If the speakers have bi-wire terminals (4 sockets on the back), Speakers A&B can be configured to drive one pair of speakers. We would recommend trying it as it is a great upgrade to the sound without adding more boxes to the system.

Loudspeakers like Acoustic Energy AE300, Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 or Dali Oberon 3 are no problem at all for the Marantz M-CR612 to handle. And with HEOS music streaming, CD and radio on board we think it’s a very enjoyable system.

Our Verdict

We truly love these three music systems! Despite their small physical stature and modest price points, they are certainly not to be overlooked. They sound great and look modern & stylish. These little boxes can become the heart of your home entertainment with the addition of a turntable, a TV (set-top box/games console). All you need to add is a pair of speakers of your choice. What’s not to like?

For more information please feel free to call us on 01793 538222 or send an email to swindon@audio-t.co.uk.

Thanks for reading - Stefan & Andy - Audio T Swindon.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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